[Dion]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

ok I had to put in my 2 cents on this when i read the original post and comments. As a Canadian who moved to the USA 8 years ago, I worried about the health care system, especially because I was going to study there at first and not work.

It hasn't been a problem for me, and the way I see it is as long as you have a full time job, your employer will cover it and you dont have to pay. I feel like for me, health care is BETTER than what I could have in Canada becuse it doesnt take forever to get referred to a specialist or anything. My dad has cancer and before it was diagnosed, it took him long times to get appointments for things like CT Scans etc...in the US you will get it the next day because there are so many doctors and so many machines.

I also dont pay a cent because my husband has insurance through his job and all family members (me) are covered...and the same goes for my job. I have insurance where all family members are covered (me and him)..the dual coverage not only gives us free health insurance, but waives copays that most people have to pay, reduces our deductible, and gives us FREE prescription medicine, visits to the dentist, free contacts each year (24 pairs a year) etc. Even if you work full time at a grocery store or department store, you get the same benefits (health care)...I'm not saying anything wrong with working at those, I did it when in school, Im just saying that you dont need to have a professional position, just be employed full time and you are covered.

So for people who dont work or are unemployed it is harder because they have to pay for their own health care, if you work you will be ok. ..for people that are unemployed, its tough.

But you dont suffer waiting for appointments...one of my friends moms had severe arthritis, making it impossible to walk for a long time. She wouldnt be able to walk for more than 10 mins without needing to rest her knee. She lives in Calgary. The appt to see the rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) took SIX months. In the US (i have worked at a hospital in the past) and my mother in law has arthritis and she lives in the US, it takes about 1-2 days to get an appt to see any specialist......so you dont suffer or your condition doesnt worsen.

Sorry for rambling, I just had to say my point..that before you get so opinionated on another countries health care system, you should realize that your own isnt perfect either.

Ours may not be perfect but i'll take ours over yours. At least people here aren't forced to into bankruptcy because they can't afford the medical bills.